At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned prospects in the senior class. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III, or NAIA levels (with several others exploring the JUCO path). That number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we try to highlight guys who are under-recruited by college coaches or overlooked by the masses. This edition will feature Nate Malosa of Quality Education Academy.
We’ve watched Malosa closely over these last few years, recently stating, “Although there are so many next-level pieces on this roster, Malosa continues to turn heads with his steady, low-maintenance production. He’s long, mobile, and reliably anchors the paint on both ends of the floor. Malosa is a quality finisher with touch and the ability to space the floor. He utilizes his length exceptionally well to secure rebounds and block/alter shots defensively. Malosa displays great timing around the basket and fills in the lane properly in transition. His stock should continue to rise as a straightforward big man who impacts the game on either side of the ball.”
Perhaps one of the more perplexing recruiting situations in North Carolina, it’s shocking that Malosa doesn’t have more offers. Without deviating too far from the main point: this is one of the many problems with the recruiting scene, where you have a kid who can absolutely play at several Division I programs yet is getting overlooked in favor of 24-year-olds who hit the portal for the third time. It’s frustrating. Malosa is the type of player we shouldn’t need to advocate for, as he should already hold plenty of next-level opportunities. Regardless, some program is going to be extremely pleased to have a low-maintenance asset like Malosa. He’s a long, sturdy 6-foot-10 post player who finishes around the basket, controls the glass as a rebounder, and protects the rim defensively. Malosa can also step out and space the floor from midrange or beyond the arc. What else do coaches really want? He plays to his strengths and consistently impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Malosa will be a real asset at the next level.